[M2d]

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I've not been in November so I don't know about the surf (the ocean is like glass in the summer and has huge waves in the winter not sure about now, I would guess it will be big but not huge).

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the OP pro holding period runs from the 12th to the 23rd of November, so it's right in his timeframe. the Xcel finished yesterday in 6-10 conditions, so big waves are definately hitting already. No massive beach closing conditions, but the scene is definately on in Haleiwa.

for the OP, others have alluded to the touristy feel of waikiki. all very true, but Oahu is much more than waikiki. the great thing about an Oahu vacation is that you get what you put into it. if you're content to laze around on the beach, check out chicks, hang with the tourists and be surrounded by a commercialized Hawaii, then you can do that (nothing wrong with it at all). If you want to explore a bit and see some history (both hawaiian and US/World), you can do that (as an aside, the Arizona Memorial is a must see, imo, because of the history that it carries; plus, it isn't going to be around much longer, from what i hear). if you want to do the slow down, nature/small town thing, a trip out of waikiki to the beach towns on the north shore or into Kailua will let you meet your desires. There's also numerous day hikes into the mountains, more secluded beaches, and other off the beaten path things to do if you do some digging.

if you're looking for fine(ish) dining, forget Roy's and go to Alan Wong's. you'll thank me later.